Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).

DENPASAR, Indonesia – An American surfer has been mauled by a two-meter (6-foot) shark off the Indonesian resort island of Bali, sustaining a serious arm injury, a doctor said Wednesday, April 27.

Ryan Boarman, in his 20s, was admitted to hospital in the west of the holiday island Monday shortly after being attacked by the shark as he surfed at Balian beach.

While shark attacks are generally rare in Bali there have been several such incidents in recent years at Balian, a popular surfing spot.

Doctor Ni Gusti Ayu Made Sri Pujarini, who initially treated Boarman at a local hospital, said he was conscious when brought in.

"He said that he saw a two-meter shark just before he felt the pain," she told AFP. "His wounds were consistent with shark bite injuries, you could see the teeth marks."

Pujarini said he underwent emergency surgery and was then transferred to a bigger hospital in the Balinese capital Denpasar.

Twiggy Van Ryan, an Australian who lives near Balian, described how he saw Boarman shortly after the attack and helped dress his wound before he was taken to hospital.

"It was a pretty heavy wound, maybe 4 inches (10 centimetres) either side of the tip of the elbow, basically his whole elbow had gone into the shark's mouth and then was pretty badly damaged as the shark pulled back," he said.

Between 2010 and 2012, there were at least 4 reports of foreigners, including a Canadian, an Australian and a South African, being attacked by sharks around the beach. – Rappler.com

Would you like to share your vote?

Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).